DECISION ON AFRICA’S PASTORALISM
Doc. EX.CL/631 (XVIII)
The Executive Council,
1. TAKES NOTE of the pastoral policy initiative of the Commission aimed at securing, protecting and improving the lives, livelihoods and rights of pastoral communities;
2. APPROVES the Resolutions on “Policy Framework for Pastoralism in Africa” adopted by the Conference of African Ministers of Agriculture, held from 25 to 29 October 2010 in Lilongwe, Malawi;
3. URGES Member States to review their policies impacting pastoralism, in accordance with the Policy Framework, with a view to developing a comprehensive policy which takes into account the peculiar needs of pastoralism; and to build adequate human, financial, and technical capacities to support pastoral policy development, implementation and tracking progress;
4. ENCOURAGES pastoral networks and groups to initiate regional and continental forums to facilitate engagement with the Commission, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), other relevant AU organs as well as, partners consistent with the objectives of the Policy Framework;
5. REQUESTS the Commission and the RECs, in collaboration with development partners to:
i) strengthen and/or establish an appropriate institutional framework to provide coordination of follow up activities and facilitate mutual learning by Member States as they develop/review their pastoral policies in accordance with the Policy Framework;
ii) put in place appropriate measures/mechanisms for mobilization of financial resources and partnerships in support of promoting pastoral policy development and implementation at regional and country levels;
iii) take appropriate measures for the establishment of mechanisms for progress tracking and periodic Member States reporting on progress achieved;
iv) support pastoral groups and networks in their efforts to initiate regional and/or continental pastoralist forums.
6. ALSO REQUESTS the Commission to report regularly on the implementation of this Decision.